Trump is Holding America Hostage

Immigration

Trump met with Congressional representatives this week to discuss an immigration deal. Unfortunately, the Republicans are holding Dreamers, those undocumented immigrants who were brought here as children, hostage to get money for a ridiculous border wall and other ruthless changes to immigration policy. Not only will the wall cost billions of dollars, it will do immeasurable harm to the environment. First, Trump wants to construct it of concrete–tons and tons of it. Concrete which is held together by cement is a leading cause of greenhouse gases. Making cement to build approximately 2000 MILES of wall will release even more harmful gas into the ozone. In addition, much of the US/Mexico border is divided by the Colorado River. Building a wall alongside a river that is constantly rising and lowering based on rainfall may lead to more landslides and soil erosion. Lastly, and possibly most importantly, the wall will affect wildlife habitat and migration, cutting animals off from their natural hunting grounds. And after causing all that damage, critics say it won’t even keep the people out that Trump is trying to exclude–you build a bigger wall, they’ll build a longer ladder.

Trump is claiming that any GOP bill on immigration should be a “bill of love.” A bill which would allow Dreamers to stay in the U.S. but probably deport their parents. A bill that would make it harder for those who have come to the U.S. legally already to bring over additional family members such as spouses, children, and parents. A bill that will shut the door to this country to people from “shithole” countries even though this country was built by the labor and love of immigrants who came before.

Abortion Ban

The GOP controlled Senate is threatening to vote on a 20 week abortion ban bill this week which has already passed in the House. And while no one believes the bill will pass in the Senate, conservatives believe this will be a rallying cry for their cause in the midterm elections and unseat Democrats in conservative districts. Progressives must rally behind Democrats and other progressives office holders in shaky seats and shore them up. It will do us no good to flip Congressional seats if we also lose those already held by progressives.

Obstruction of Justice

While many are touting the release of information this week that Trump tried to fire Mueller as proof positive that Trump obstructed justice, it isn’t as easy as that. In reality, Mueller first has to find that there was an underlying crime committed. Without an underlying crime, proving that Trump intended to obstruct justice would be nearly impossible to prove in court. But why would Trump fire one investigator and attempt to fire another if there weren’t something to hide? Hurry up, Mr. Mueller!

Take Action

Tell your members of Congress that you oppose a border wall, support dreamers, and will vote for pro-choice candidates!